Last year, 45,000 Americans died by suicide. That’s 123 people every day. One is too many!

They were teens, veterans and parents. Most of them struggled with depression or other mental health issues but fewer than half received treatment in the past year. Some had prominent jobs and lived in gated communities. Others were unemployed and took shelter on public streets.

A training academy for mental health professionals and specialized services for children affected by suicide will be available at Didi Hirsch’s 60-year-old Suicide Prevention Center this Fall after staff moves into the new building at 10277 West Olympic Boulevard in Century City.